Mediterranean Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl

Mediterranean Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl

Mia

This Mediterranean Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl brings together the best of two culinary worlds, combining the protein-rich staples of Latin American cuisine with the vibrant, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean. Fluffy quinoa serves as the perfect base, providing complete protein and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with tender black beans, sun-dried tomatoes, and briny Kalamata olives.

What makes this bowl truly special is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The creamy black beans contrast with the fluffy quinoa, while crisp cucumbers and juicy cherry tomatoes add refreshing bursts of flavor. A generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice tie everything together, creating a dish that's both satisfying and light. Crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy richness, while fresh herbs like parsley and oregano bring an authentic Mediterranean touch.

This bowl is not just delicious—it's incredibly nutritious and aligned with the heart-healthy Mediterranean Diet. Quinoa provides all nine essential amino acids, while black beans offer fiber and plant-based protein. The olive oil delivers healthy monounsaturated fats, and the abundance of vegetables ensures you're getting plenty of vitamins and antioxidants. It's a complete meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.

Perfect for meal prep, this bowl can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it ideal for busy weeknights or packed lunches. The components can be prepared ahead and assembled when ready to eat, and the flavors actually improve as they meld together in the refrigerator. Whether you're following the Mediterranean Diet or simply looking for a wholesome, flavorful dinner, this bowl delivers on all fronts.

Nutrition

35 minutes
None servings
385 calories
Fat 15.00g
Carbs 48.00g
Protein 14.00g

Ingredients

1 cupquinoa, rinsed
2 cupswater or vegetable broth
15 ozblack beans, drained and rinsed (1 can)
1 cupcherry tomatoes, halved
1 mediumcucumber, diced
1/2 cupkalamata olives, pitted and halved
1/4 cupsun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cupred onion, finely diced
1/2 cupfeta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cupfresh parsley, chopped
3 tbspextra virgin olive oil
2 tbspfresh lemon juice
2 clovesgarlic, minced
1 tspdried oregano
1/2 tspsalt
1/4 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
2 tbspfresh mint, chopped (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
Whisk
measuring spoons
measuring cups
medium saucepan with lid
large mixing bowl
fork
chef's knife
serving bowls
fine-mesh strainer
small bowl

16:8 Diet

This nutrient-dense bowl is ideal for 16:8 intermittent fasting, providing complete protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and abundant fiber to sustain energy throughout the eating window. The balanced macronutrients and whole food ingredients help meet daily nutritional needs within the compressed timeframe.

80/20 Diet

This bowl perfectly fits the 80/20 approach with over 80% of ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods including quinoa, black beans, fresh vegetables, and olive oil. The small amount of feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes add flavor while keeping the recipe focused on anti-inflammatory, fiber-rich, vitamin-packed ingredients.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This bowl is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients including extra virgin olive oil, colorful vegetables rich in antioxidants, legumes, whole grains, and anti-inflammatory herbs like oregano and parsley. It avoids refined sugars, processed foods, and emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense ingredients that combat inflammation.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with whole, minimally processed ingredients including quinoa, black beans, fresh vegetables, herbs, and extra virgin olive oil. It contains no refined sugars, artificial ingredients, or heavily processed components—just recognizable whole foods in their natural state.

DASH Diet

This recipe aligns with DASH Diet principles by emphasizing vegetables, whole grains (quinoa), and plant-based protein (black beans) while using herbs, lemon, and spices for flavor instead of excessive salt. The potassium-rich vegetables and legumes, combined with heart-healthy olive oil, support blood pressure management.

Diabetic Diet

This bowl supports blood sugar management with low-glycemic quinoa and black beans providing protein and fiber that slow glucose absorption, paired with non-starchy vegetables and healthy fats from olive oil. The balanced macronutrients and absence of refined sugars help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Flexitarian Diet

This recipe is ideal for flexitarian eating with its plant-forward approach featuring quinoa, black beans, and abundant vegetables as the foundation. The small amount of feta cheese serves as a supporting ingredient rather than the main focus, perfectly balancing plant-based nutrition with minimal animal products.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, featuring quinoa (a gluten-free pseudo-grain) as the base along with legumes, vegetables, and naturally gluten-free ingredients. It provides a complete, satisfying meal without any wheat, barley, rye, or gluten-containing ingredients.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe is cardiovascular-protective with heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil, fiber-rich whole grains and legumes, abundant vegetables, and minimal saturated fat. The emphasis on plant-based proteins, omega-rich ingredients, and anti-inflammatory components supports heart health while avoiding processed meats and excessive sodium.

High-Fiber Diet

This recipe is excellent for high-fiber diets, delivering substantial fiber from quinoa (a whole grain), black beans (legumes), and abundant vegetables including cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The combination easily provides 8-10 grams of fiber per serving to support digestive health.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense bowl is ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing complete protein from quinoa and black beans, complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, healthy fats from olive oil and feta, and plenty of fiber-rich vegetables to promote satiety throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This balanced bowl honors intuitive eating principles by providing satisfaction through varied textures and flavors, nourishment from whole foods, and adequate portions without restriction or guilt. It celebrates food pleasure alongside nutrition with its vibrant Mediterranean flavors and satisfying combination of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This bowl aligns with Mayo Clinic Diet principles by emphasizing abundant vegetables, whole grains (quinoa), plant-based protein (black beans), and healthy fats from olive oil. It avoids processed foods and refined grains while providing a nutrient-dense, portion-appropriate meal that supports sustainable weight management.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe perfectly embodies Mediterranean Diet principles with its emphasis on extra virgin olive oil, whole grains (quinoa), legumes (black beans), abundant vegetables, and feta cheese in moderation. The use of Kalamata olives, fresh herbs, and lemon juice for flavoring instead of excessive salt aligns perfectly with this heart-healthy eating pattern.

MIND Diet

This recipe supports brain health with MIND Diet staples including leafy greens (parsley, mint), vegetables, beans, whole grains (quinoa), nuts-like seeds, and olive oil as the primary fat. It avoids red meat, butter, and fried foods while emphasizing antioxidant-rich, neuroprotective ingredients.

Mindful Eating

This recipe supports mindful eating with its variety of colors, textures, and flavors that engage multiple senses—from the fluffy quinoa to crisp cucumbers and creamy feta. The whole, minimally processed ingredients and fresh herbs encourage slow, conscious consumption and sensory appreciation.

Plant-Based Diet

This recipe can be made fully plant-based by simply omitting the feta cheese. It features protein-rich quinoa and black beans, whole grains, legumes, and abundant vegetables with healthy fats from olive oil—all core plant-based ingredients that are minimally processed and nutrient-dense.

Vegetarian Diet

This vegetarian-friendly bowl provides complete protein through the combination of quinoa (a complete protein) and black beans, along with dairy from feta cheese. It emphasizes whole grains, legumes, and abundant vegetables with healthy fats from olive oil.

Weight Watchers

This bowl follows Weight Watchers principles with lean plant-based protein from quinoa and black beans, abundant non-starchy vegetables, and minimal added fats. The nutrient-dense whole food ingredients support weight management while remaining satisfying and flavorful.

Instructions

1

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water for about 30 seconds to remove any bitter coating.

1 min
2
5 min

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat.

3
15 min

Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

4

Remove the quinoa from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and spread on a large plate or baking sheet to cool to room temperature.

5 min
5

While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces, and finely dice the red onion.

8 min
6

Chop the fresh parsley and mint (if using), and mince the garlic cloves.

2 min
7

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create the dressing.

1 min
8

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, drained black beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and red onion.

2 min
9

Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated.

1 min
10

Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley, gently folding them into the bowl.

1 min
11

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

12

Divide the Mediterranean quinoa bowl among four serving bowls and garnish with fresh mint if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

1 min

Frequently Asked Questions